212 - COLOMBO, Joe (1930–1971) ZANOTTA (Published by)

COLOMBO, Joe (1930–1971) ZANOTTA (Published by) “Birillo” bar stool, model 580, with a chrome-plated steel shaft, swivel seat, one-piece bent tube forming a footrest, and circular backrest. Four-spoke star-shaped base made of black-lacquered fiberglass-reinforced plastic, weighted with cast iron. Upholstered square seat and backrest, covered in red leather (shows signs of wear). Model designed in 1970 H 106 cm – W 46.5 cm – D 50 cm - History: The “Birillo” is part of a series designed in 1970, comprising a table, an office chair, and this bar stool. It is among the last designs by Joe Colombo, who died in Milan in July 1971. Examples are held at the Vitra Design Museum in Weil am Rhein and the Museum of Modern Art in New York (inv. 1407.2001). - Bibliography: “Joe Colombo. Inventing the Future,” exhibition catalog, Vitra Design Museum, Weil am Rhein, and La Triennale di Milano, Weil am Rhein, Vitra Design Stiftung, 2005; model reproduced on p. 233 under no. 294. - Giuliana Gramigna, “1950/1980 Repertorio. Immagini e contributi per una storia dell'arredo italiano,” Milan, Mondadori, 1985, model reproduced on p. 346.